Co. I, 334th Reg., 33rd Div. “The distinguished service Cross cited by Major
Bell and General Pershing. On the day before the armistice was signed
on the Metz front, near Bois d’Arville, Private Heacox, put a German
machine-gun nest of action taking command of this company, after all his
officers and noncommissioned officers had been killed, leading them to their
objective. He volunteered to go forward with Lt. Milton E. Wilson of
Kirkland, Illinois, who was killed going forward, and put the machine-gun
nest out with his rifle.

When he returned to his company with all the commission and noncommissioned
officers being killed, there were only 30 men left of the original Co., who
had been previously killed and wounded by this German gun nest, who he lead
forward, gaining their objective. When orders came for the evacuation
of the position only 18 men remained for Heacox to lead. Heacox began
service in the front lines when picking Companies of his Regiment now being
with the Australians in Amiens. In the early part of September 1918,
the Australians were transferred to the American front on the edge of the
Argonne Forest where they served until October 15 when they were transferred
to Metz, where he was wounded and distinguished himself on November 10,
1918.”

Wounded by shrapnel in his left arm, hospitalized St. Mihiel, Toul, Savenay,
Brest, France and Greenhut Hospital, New York.

Trained Kingston, and Barriefield until May 5, 1915., Sailed for England
(for Montréal on SS Metagama) May 6, 1915. Landed at Plymouth, Devonshire,
England, May 14, 1915. Trained at West Sandling Camp, Kent, England until
September 13th.

Sailed from Southampton, September 13 and landed at LeHavre, France,
September 14, 1915, proceed immediately to the front, arriving front-line
trenches near Messines, West Flanders, Belgium, September 19, 1915. Moved to
Wyschaete-St. Eloi sector, (Ypres salient), October 8, 1915. Remained
in Ypres salient until June 20, 1916. Promoted: Lance Corporal
September 19, 1915, Corporal October 15, 1915, Sergeant December 26, 1915,
1st Lieutenant May 31, 1916. Return to England June 20, 1916 and acted
as instructor, 39th Canadian Infantry Battalion at West Sandling Camp.
Made several trips is conducting officer, taking replacement troops to
France during July and August, and as messenger (King's Messenger) between
London War Office and Hdqtrs. 3rd Echelon, Rouen, France.

Assigned to 18 Canadian Infantry Battalion, September 15, 1916, and reported
for duty near Courcelette, Picardy, September 28, having previously
participated in an engagement which resulted in the capture of Combles, as a
volunteer machine-gun officer with the 1st Gloucestershire Regiment.

Wounded and sent to hospital, October 10th – 12th, to England October 27th
in back to France, December 5, 1916, reporting for duty with 18th Battalion
in trenches in front of Bully-Grenay, opposite Lens, remaining there until
January 28, 1917 when we shifted to Neuville-St. Vaest, opposite Vimy Ridge.

Invalided out to England, February 22, and discharged for physical
disability with rank of Captain to date from November 9, 1916.

Return to United States on SS St. Paul, leading Liverpool, April 7, landed
in New York, April ?, 1917.

Wounded: November 9, 1915; February 27, 1916, and October 10, 1916
“officially” and slightly and several other occasions, gassed, more or less
severely, numerous times, burned and bruised by shell fire many times.

"An American battery of howitzers ready to fire upon
the Huns from the ruins of a town in France. This was one of the first
United States official photographs of the American advance in the Argonne, a
district that is not all forest by any means, but comprises much cultivated
territory and many towns and villages that have been wrecked by ruthless
German fire." US Signal Corps Photo, America's War for
Humanity

“Corporal Andrew Irrgang, Machine Gun Co., 120 th Infantry, distinguished
himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations
against the enemy of the United States at Bellicourt, France on September
29, 1918.

“He had been separated from the rest of his platoon near Bellicourt, France,
Sept., 1918. He kept his squad together and broke up an enemy machine
gun nest, capturing the gunners and guns. As his own gun became
disabled, Corporal Irrgang turned a captured machine gun around and fired
one thousand rounds of ammunition, covering the advance of the infantry.
He then continued to lead his squad forward under the artillery and machine
gin fire.”

Wounded by shrapnel, both legs, right arm & scalp,

The Gatling Gun, a forerunner of the Machine Gun was
invented by a doctor and inventor, Richard J. Gatling in Indianapolis,
Indiana. He observed that the majority of dead in the Civil War died of
illness rather than gunshot wounds and his invention was to help save lives.

"It occurred to me that if I could invent a machine - a gun - which could by
its rapidity of fire, enable one man to do as much battle duty as a hundred,
that it would, to a large extent, supersede the necessity of large armies,
and consequently, exposure to battle and disease [would] be greatly
diminished."

“I have heard and read a great deal about open warfare and know I'm going
through it, you can imagine how awful it is.

“We were in a large woods a short time ago, and our artillery was all around
us. The Boches shelled the woods night and day. We get it again,
everyman had his own dugout, protection against shrapnel. You could
scarcely take two steps for fear of falling headfirst into a dugout.

“I am sitting out in front of my dugout writing this letter and old Fritz is
sending 5” shells over in front of us about 50 yd. from here. If he
lowers his elevation, I will do the groundhog stunt.

“You read in the newspapers how the French people are driven from their
homes on short notice. Well, as we were moving up to this front, we
passed family after family running from the dangers zone, and believe me it
was simply awful to see them go by, not only forty or fifty, but hundreds of
them. Some in motor trucks, some in wagons with their children, with
probably only enough clothing and food to last them a few days.

“The less fortunate ones were pulling their wagons, caring stuff on their
backs and on wheelbarrows. I saw one old woman have a wheelbarrow
loaded with some provisions lying by the roadside. The poor soul had
given out. It made my heart ache. Another case, and old man and
dog were pulling a spring wagon and old woman pushing it. I don't know
how they made it upgrades. They left their homes and all they had.
They will probably come back someday, but only see their homes all
destroyed.”

The Colt-Browning .30" machine gun was adopted at
the start of WW1. It weighed less then 25 lbs. and was adapted for use on
airplanes. It was gas operated, belt fired and could fire 500 rounds
per minute. Indiana War Memorial collection
exhibit

Corporal Robert L. King,
Jefferson County , Indiana

Camp Cody , New Mexico :

“Since coming here have been assigned to a machine gun company. We
drill here as squads. There are eight men in the squads, including the
Corporal. I have been acting as Corporal, ever since I landed here.
Every Corporal has to give commands for his squad, which is not very easy
thing for me to. But even at that, I like it.

We're been taught how to kill the Germans and we sure ought to get some of
them with these machine guns for they shoot 600 times a minute. It
takes two-men to feed in the bullets, we are not supposed to get in the
trenches with the infantry but slightly to the rear, for we shoot over the
infantry's heads. We are stationed at both ends of the trenches.

I don't think I could have gotten into any part of the army that I would of
liked better then this. We do not have rifles, but will have a pistol
and a large knife to defend ourselves in hand-to-hand fighting.

There are 30,000 soldiers here are in only a few of them have guns, the rest
have clubs, which they used to kill jackrabbits. When the boys are off
duty they form a large circle make a drive for jackrabbits. They get
as many as 40 or 50 at a time, and it sure is lots of fun.

We are well taken care of in this camp, there is no need to worry about me
for I never had such an appetite as I have now, and they sure do feed us
well and it all taste good and plenty of it.

For supper we had roast beef, sweet potatoes, gravy, rice pudding, prunes,
blackberry jam, bread and cocoa. Sometimes we have oyster soup and
cranberry sauce, and sometimes more than this to eat. No one needs to
go hungry. I never expected to give such meals of the army.

As I know of nothing more to write to you at this time, I will close and
hope to receive the mail from you soon.

As ever, your son, Robert"

"Machine gun team of an American balloon company at
work on the French Front, trying to get an enemy airplane. These
anti-aircraft guns are known as 'Archies'". America's War for Humanity War

Sergeant Wilbert
Kendall, Co. A, Machine Gun Bn., 2nd Div., Decatur County,
"First local boy to return from France, having started big drive over there
year.

Sergeant Wilbur Kendall landed in Greensburg at 10:35 this morning fresh
from the battlefield of France and enjoys the distinction of being the first
Decatur County soldier who has return from service overseas since the war
began.

Sergeant Kendall told of the dead German near the front line American
trenches and how an American covered the body with dirt. When the job
was completed, the Huns feet were still visible and card bearing the words,
“rise your country needs you” was pinned thereon. He said the same to
be applied here and that everyone should rise to do their part in the great
struggle for freedom.

He paid special tribute to General Pershing, and said that he was idolized
by the men of the Army. He also took occasion to praise of foreigners
in United States Army and declared that “Wops” as they were familiarly
known, constituted the division that saved Paris. Speaking of the
French people, Sergeant Kendall said that despite their great sacrifices
they were not broken by the war, and he would fight to the end for a
victorious peace. He praised them for their hospitality and said that
they're willing to share with the allies. He said he was glad to be
back in the states were he could get three square meals a day and then he
said the Americans on the fighting line were not always favored that way.

In speaking of the Red Cross, he said the people could not give too much to
the organization for noble work that is being carried 'over there'. If
you heard that wounded man lying all night in a wheat field and crying for
aid like I did. you would understand” he said in closing."

He volunteered to locate a machine gun that was holding up the advance of
his company & was one of the party that successfully attacked the
machine-gun nest, thereby allowing the company to continue its advance.
Bois de Consenvoy, Oct. 10, 1918., Oct. 10, 1918.

Upon discovering an enemy machine gun nest, under heavy fire, he flanked the
position, captured the machine gun & thirty-one prisoners, one of them an
officer, killing two of the enemy who tried to escape.

Ernest Franklin Hess, USMC, Gunner, Ripley County

“Wounded at Belleau Wood. Struck in left thigh, both arms and left
eye. Hospitalized for five weeks to recover and fitted with glass eye.

“Came over in a Hospital ship in a Casual Co. We sent on arrival to
the Naval Hospital at Portsmouth, Va. For two months. Was sent to the
Marine Barracks at Norfolk Va. for one month.

“Served as gunner on an outpost when wounded at Belleau Wood, June 23, 1918.

“Service in the trenches at Verdun consisted of raiding, extending
excavations of trenches and building roads.
Was under
constant shellfire and subject to gas attacks almost every night.

“Had only a week’s rest after the Verdun trenches until sent to
Chateau-Thierry. Advanced eight days in this attack, doing hand to
hand fighting with nets, rifles and machine-guns. (French ‘sho-sh’ guns).
Marched back for rest when relieved by 7th Infantry. A barrage was put
over the first night after this relief. The 7th Infantry fell back for
this, the Germans rushed in and retook all the Marines had gained in the
eight days. “The 6th Marines were sent immediately to relieve the 7th
and went again into battle about 8 or 9 AM, June 2, 1918. They succeeded in
retaking Belleau Wood, advancing four kilometers. They continued the advance
for twenty-odd days until the entire wood was taken and held.

“Private Hess carried a wounded Lieutenant from a hill in Belleau Wood to a
First Aid station in a ravine. The Lieutenant was then carried by the First
Aid men to a Field Hospital. Both of these men received medals for
this action. Orders to all Marines were to drag wounded out of further
danger, so this action was in the line of duty. Nearly all soldiers served
their comrades in this way.”

Chester Cole, 139th Inf. Machine Gun Bn., Ripley County,
Indiana

“I was all trained for overseas service when I got my leg broken. I
had my uniform, gas mask and all. I was so disappointed I couldn’t go
with the rest of my company. I was two months in the hospital and two
months more on crutches. Then I was turned down for overseas service
and they made me a corporal and set me to training men for the service.
I wanted to help in some way to serve my country and will as long as I live.
I enlisted and am so glad of it.”

Browning Machine
Gun

The American forces initially used the French Chauchatun in the early stages
of the war. As production was increased, there were eventually 57,000 of the
45 lb. Brownings in use.

He rushed with two other soldiers over open ground, exposed to the fire of
the enemy artillery & displayed the finest courage in charging a machine-gun
nest, killing two gunners, wounded two others, & captured five prisoners as
well as the piece.

Entered service May 3,1918. Stationed at Camp Ferre, Ga. and Camp Upton,
N.Y. Sailed for overseas duty, a member of 52nd Infantry, Headquarters
6th Bn, Signal Corps. Saw active service on the front lines. Was
awarded the Croix de Guerre with three other comrades for bravery, having
gone under shell and machine gun fire at the risk of life to remove a German
electric wire, in order that the remains of a Lt., killed by contact with it
could be removed, and the way cleared for the patrols. Was wounded in
the right hip. Born in
Lafayette, Ind.,
May 6, 1896; son of Thomas D. and Fannie
B. Smith. Wife is Mabel Smith. Home is Lafayette. Ind.

Private Cox was a member of Co. C, 5th Machine Gun Battalion and was
attached to the Marine Brigade during the capture of Boureschesquad of which
he was a member, did some valuable work in this attack, and the survivors
were personally thanked by the Commanding General.

Private Cox was killed by an enemy machine gun bullet after Boureschesas
taken and while lines were being consolidated. He was a brave and capable
soldier and a credit to the 2nd Division. Eustace P. Stuart, 1st Lt.,
5th Machine Gun Battalion

Edgar William Tatman, 1st Lt., Shelbyville, Shelby County, Indiana

“Enlisted May 11, 1917. Entered Officers Training
Camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison, May 15, 1917. Commissioned 1st Lt. of
Ordnance, United States National Army - August 22, 1917. Study the
manufacturing and operations of machine guns at the government arsenal
school in Washington DC and Utica , New York. Studied and tailored this work
in Springfield, Massachusetts. The charge of troops at Camps Cox and
Jackson.

In France: Studied and taught the synchronization of machine
guns and bombing and methods of dropping bombs from airplanes at Ordnance
Armament School near Juan de Mont., about 50 miles from Nantes. Had
charge of the salvage of small arms at Mehun e Yeine.

Is the author of a book on aerial bombing. Was
to leave November 11, 1917 for the front to engage in the work of dropping
bombs from airplanes. Discharged August 22, 1919."

Entered service June 26, 1916,
stationed at Indianapolis, Ind., in Co. C, 2 nd Indiana Inf. Sent to Rio
Grande, Tex., and transferred to 2nd Indiana Machine Gun Corps. Sent
to Ft. Harrison, Ind., where he was mustered out of service Feb. 28, 1917.
Re-entered the service again in the late war in March, 1917. Stationed
at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., for Government Depot Work. Was transferred
to Indianapolis, Ind., to instruct training corps men in the use of Louis
Machine Gun. Received his promotion of sergeant and sent to Camp
Shelby, Miss., where he acted as supply sergeant,152nd Inf., until October,
1918. Saw service overseas and was at the front when the armistice was
signed. Born at Wea Plains, Ind., Sept. 30, 1898, son of Charles F.
Whitehead. Home is West Point, Ind.